Political Science, OAC Profs In the News

May 11, 2012 - In the News

Political science professors Dennis Baker and Troy Riddell were featured in the May 11 issue of the National Post. The two professors, who are part of U of G’s Criminal Justice and Public Policy Program, wrote an opinion article about the case against accused child-killer Michael Rafferty and how the case against him is affected by Supreme Court of Canada decisions in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Baker's research focuses on the separation of powers, particularly the relationship between the courts and the representative branches. His book, Not Quite Supreme, considers the limits of the Supreme Court of Canada’s power to settle political controversies. Riddell teaches and researches about constitutional and judicial politics and public policy/administration. His current t research projects investigate how the Charter of Rights and Charter decisions by the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, impact public policy and administration.

Prof. Alfons Weersink of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics is quoted in numerous news reports today on the changing nature of Canadian agriculture, including in the Vancouver Sun and Winnipeg Free Press. He was interviewed by the Canadian Press about new 2011 census data Statistics Canada released Thursday, which reveal that there has been a shift from small farms and plentiful livestock to larger operations focused on crop production. Weersink says the change is due to more farmers wanting to capitalize on the strong crop market.

Weersink’s research focuses on the effects of technology and government policy, particularly environmental policy; on decisions made by firms in the agri-food sector; and on the resulting structure of the sector. He was raised on a cash crop/dairy farm near St. Marys and continues to be involved with the farm.

Plant agriculture professor John Cline is quoted in numerous articles and news reports Wednesday on the effect of the early thaw and late freeze on Ontario’s orchards. He told theGlobe and Mailthat the weather is having a significant economic effect; the apple industry alone is estimated to be around $300 million to $400 million. Several other news outlets picked up the story, including the Winnipeg Free Press and radio stations around the country.

Cline is interested in physiology and plant growth. He looks at substances that regulate the crop level, or the number of apples on the tree. He also studies orchard systems. Read more